Originally Posted by XCMTBer (Post 7609710)

I'm looking forward to 21st June as the nights will be getting shorter and the snow season is getting closer :thumbup:

Originally Posted by Flyingscottie (Post 7609735)

Would anyone recommend Ottawa over Toronto?

(ducks as the replies start flying....)

Originally Posted by dpickles (Post 7606698)

Hi,
I am new to this forum. We have permanent resident cards and are currently renting in the UK but have our hearts set on a new life for our family in Kanata. We have 3 children, 6,7 and 17 and would love to hear from anyone regards moving and living in Kanata. My husband works for the defense industry and my eldest son works for an insurance company. We visited Nova Scotia last year to pick up our permanent residence cards and although beautiful we found it very different to our current lifestyle. My husband is a frequent traveler and has first hand experience on the whole Canadian lifestyle. We are hoping that Kanata has more to offer regards employment, entertainment,shopping etc. We are lucky to have friends in Gatineau and Barrhaven, but it would be invaluable to hear from Canadians and Brits living and breathing the Kanata way of life. How bad are the winters. we are sociable people and the thought of being snowed in for months is a major downer. I am keen to receive any honest feedback so that I can gain a greater insite!
Thanks Deb

Originally Posted by Flyingscottie (Post 7609735)

Would anyone recommend Ottawa over Toronto?

(ducks as the replies start flying....)

Originally Posted by XCMTBer (Post 7607281)

Hi Deb,

I'm another of the Brits in Kanata, well moved to Stittsville last month after 2 years in Kanata. Not a huge difference i'm now a 15km bike ride to work instead of 10km. I work right under a GD office...

If you search my posts it will give you an insight into life here. Yes it snow, but that's why I came here.

Overall a massive change in lifestyle (for the better) and very child friendly.

please ask if you have any detailed quesitons as its pretty hard to explain 2 and a bit years in Kanata!

Andy

Originally Posted by daisycutter (Post 7609765)

hi ,we lived in kanata for a year....made many good friends...nice people,nice countryside,big very cheap housing with big lots,good schools....our kids are very sporty and plenty of clubs etc to join....winters cold,but bright skies..hot humid summers,but with air con and a pool it is great...fantastic thunderstorms,but make sure you have a good sump pump and back-up if living rurally..downside is skiing locally is poor..can't comment on work as we made a lifestyle move and didn't work but big in hi-tech in the area..we are now in west vancouver and the kids miss kanata alot...so who knows.......it is generally a good place with no real downsides........

Originally Posted by dpickles (Post 7609855)

Thanks for the reply hadn't considered the need for air-conditioning, this is why it's great to get some constructive feedback. Just out of interest do you prefer the definite seasons of Ottawa area or the weather in Vancouver. I hope my husband doesn't read this because he'll think I am indecisive!
Deb

Originally Posted by XCMTBer (Post 7609935)

There is no shortage of types of houses here and if you rent for a bit you can take your time and work out what it is you want or need! Most people want a big plot, right up until you realize you will be a slave to the grass! It seems to grow like mad! So you will have some quality time with your lawnmower. It gets hot here so your water bill will pay for that one, and then there is the Kanata special! the Grubs, eating your lawn from below. Then the skunks and porcupines come at night and roll back your turf to eat the grubs.....
And this may be one reason why the new houses are on smaller plots round here, haft the year under snow and the over half having money thrown at them to make them look good!
This is stuff I learnt afterwards! There are many other "things" like this that differ between UK and Kanata houses, and a Realtor may not know what your base expectations are......

Originally Posted by dpickles (Post 7609961)

Great post..honest. Must say that I have reached a point where although I love gardening and the thought of a garden, the reality is that you spend more time looking after it than enjoying it. Weather in the Uk is pants..nothing new there. I think for us as a family indoor space is a key but the great outdoors is really what it's all about.
We are going to bring our red setter dog with us. How hard is it to rent with a dog? I keep an immaculate house but most rentals I view on line say no pets allowed. We have sold in the UK and currently rent at huge premium, do you think that Kanata can accommodate our needs?
Also, my burning question that has yet to be answered is how badly do the winters effect people socially. I enjoy going out with my kids, hubby and mates my only concern is months where you are house bound...I am sure it's just an unfounded worry.
Deb